[bclark1]

I recently purchased an ar barrel but when i got it in i found it did not come with a bolt. I ordered a bolt but i was wandering if since they were not made together and are not the same brand if the headspacing would be an issue. *

 

[JonM]

shouldnt be an issue so long as its milspec. ar15 spacing is mostly only an issue when installing the barrel extension.

 

[bclark1]

Ok thanks i was hoping i wouldnt have to fork out more money to buy something to check it.

 

[MisterMcCool]

Should not be a problem. Many people build ARs out of parts.

 

[sniper762]

most ar parts are milspec, thus will interchange without a problem. to be on the safe side, though, you can get a "go-no go" headspace gauge to check it.

 

[bclark1]

Yes this ar was a parts gun i just didnt know if the barrel and bolt which i think are most of the time sold in pairs were interchangeable. But thanks for the help!

 

[epleyjoseph]

Is there a way to check head space without paying for gages?

 

[Jpyle]

Is there a way to check head space without paying for gages?

Yes, pay a gunsmith to do it

 

[fsted2a]

Shouldn't be an issue until you go through tens of thousands of rounds. Then it might be a good idea to invest in guages.

 

[sniper762]

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/387645/forster-headspace-no-go-gage-223-remington

very inexpensive

 

[JonM]

If your just checking for unsafe chamber dimensions what you need is a field gage. If the bolt closes on a field gage the gun is not safe to shoot. A field gage is the exact maximum safe saami dimension for a given caliber.

To do any gage tests on a ar15 the ejector needs to be removed.

Go gage is the shortest safe saami spec that allows ammunition made to saami maximum spec. field is the longest safe chamber dimension. Go and Nogo gages are typically used when cutting a chamber to spec or setting head space on adjustable rifles like the savage series.